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Consider this...

You may have heard about or seen this term in the process of studying up on which brand to buy for your next ride. It's an industry term, that, unless it's understood, can fly right over your head. But it can mean a big difference for the automotive shopper and buyer, and can have a direct impact on the ultimate price you will pay.

In short, a high days supply means ample availability, and a low days supply means a relative shortage. Emphasize the word relative. This measure is based on a month (or 30 days for arithmetic standard) time frame. For a shopper's reference, a 60 days supply translates into a 2 months supply of the vehicle-on the ground, at the dealership. Manufacturers and dealers track this continuously, as anything on the high end can mean higher expenses for the dealer in storing (or paying floor plan expense-a fancy word for the loan the dealer holds and pays interest on for this inventory). It can also mean that sales rates for this vehicle are not according to forecasts, and this then typically gets the attention of the incentive planners, and dealership management.

If a particular model hovers near 30 (or 1 month), this means this particular model is at an alarmingly low availability. What this will translate to, for you, the shopper, is little to no chance of negotiation on price, low likelihood for any purchase or lease incentives, and a resulting "sellers market" for that vehicle. Of course the opposite is true. A higher availability of, say, greater than 75 days or so of a particular model, can mean high bargaining power, and the likelihood of more manufacturer and dealer incentives to move that vehicle into a consumer's hands.

In a recent article, Kelley Blue Book (Source: KBB.com, "This Week in Car Buying", March 16, 2018), a comparison of 2 competing and leading volume passenger cars, Toyota Camry & Honda Accord, was discussed, in terms of their relative availability. The positions of the brands in offering various lease incentives - or not - and how this is impacting the supply of these models is described;

"Not matching incentives is apparently costing Honda some sales as Automotive News reports that the model currently stands at a 104 days’ supply—in other words it would take that time for the auto maker to sell all the Accords in stock at the current sales rate. The trade paper reports that the company has 86,000 of the vehicles in stock. Toyota doesn’t break out its inventory by model, but across all its car lines, it has a 61 days’ supply."

While frequently this kind of information risks coming across as white noise to shoppers, it can make all the difference when it comes time to buy.

This is where The Car Maven team can help. We help steer you to the best value. We track and stay up to speed on industry insights such as this, so you don't have to. We advocate for you, in an #authentic, #unbiased, and #simplified way. That's what we're here for.

The Car Maven likes data. We not only like it, we use it in our work with our clients to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. We also work very hard to ensure transparency in the entire process; we help to explain things that may not be readily understood. Sometimes there are trends and fast-moving developments that are even invisible to the typical automotive shopper. So, we stay up on these trends, so our clients don't have to.

We recently came across a very interesting study which was conducted by our friend, Josh Wortman, MSc, of General Forensics, based in San Diego, California. We think the content of his article is helpful in understanding what happens from time to time in the pricing and ultimate sale price of automobiles. The study was completed looking at sub-prime lenders (those lenders who focus on customers with credit scores of less than 600, in general), however we feel that the substance of the article can be valuable for customers of any credit quality.

We ran an experiment comparing advertised price to sales price (as shown in the loan contracts) sent to various sub-prime lenders. The loan apps were submitted by independent and franchise dealers around the USA including 4 states where AutoCount does not provide dealer level information. From this we identified pricing patterns that impact risk for a sub-prime lender. (Note: AutoCount is a division of Experian Automotive, providing market data for the industry.)

We summarize the most important points here:

Both Franchise (dealers) and Independents (dealers) adjust the advertised price of vehicles regularly. The average price change in the month prior to a sale was about $1,500 (9%-11%) off the max listed price. Franchise dealers made these changes on 60% of the vehicles we observed, which was twice as frequently as Independents did.

Some Franchise and Independents were found to work very hard to move vehicles by submitting loan applications with a sales price even lower than the advertised price for the vehicle. In fact we observed 75% of Franchise dealers wrote sales contracts that "on average" were lower priced for the customer than the advertised price. This was more frequent than Independent dealers; slightly less than 50% of Independents showed this pattern.

Similarly, both Franchise and Independent dealers occasionally submitted loan applications with a sales price markup more than $1,000 higher the highest advertised price seen for the vehicle. Independents showed this behavior almost twice as often as Franchise dealers, and were 4 times more likely to show a $3,000 markup over the highest advertised price.

Franchise dealers were twice as likely as Independents to submit loan applications that had an average of a $1,000 better price than the advertised price. Compared to Independents who were 5 times more likely than Franchise to submit loan applications that had an average of a $1,000 worse price than the advertised price for those vehicles.

Our conclusion? Dealers are consistently working VERY hard to make the sales transaction happen. It can be through the use of various levers to do so, and, unfortunately it may appear to be a series of magic hat tricks. That's why it helps to have credentialed experts working on your behalf. If you feel you would like an unbiased, personalized advocate in your corner, reach out to us. We think you'll be glad you did.

Hope to hear from you soon.

The Car Maven

SOURCE:Analysis of Sales Price vs List Price and Markup at Independent and Franchise Dealers, LinkedIN, published by Josh Wortman, MSc, on March 5, 2018. Published with permission by the author.

In a recent article, Forbes lists the 5 Myths of Car Buying (Source: Forbes.com; How Older Car Shoppers Can Get the Best Deal, March 6, 2018). We relish these types of discussions, and felt it would be worthwhile to provide our perspective. While the article is targeted towards older shoppers, it includes 5 Myths, and we feel that our commentary is relevant to shoppers of any age. Read on....

​Myth #1: Cash is KingThe article describes this as a myth. In our opinion, it is certainly a factor in the process that many car or truck buyers don't understand. However, it may or may not be a myth, depending on your perspective. To begin with, and yes-one should always begin here: THE PRICE IS THE PRICE AND IT DRIVES EVERYTHING. What many are not aware of is that lenders and credit unions want your business. They want you to finance or lease. This means income for them, and the chance to gain you as a customer.

FACT: Dealers are a great resource for lenders, so many lenders offer incentives for dealers in the form of what is known as a "flat". This is one way that dealers are rewarded for a no-cash transaction. The "flat" is simply money to help the dealer decide where to send your business. So, when a customer is paying cash for a new auto, this is one less source of income for the dealer. And, it's not just a one-way street for the lender, believe us. Many times the financing and/or leasing arrangement can enable the customer to drive away in a vehicle that they never dreamed they could afford. And as many of our savvy followers are well aware, many times there is a captive lender (the lender affiliated with the manufacturer), who is offering an additional cash incentive if you finance and lease through them. A very important consideration, especially if you can qualify for a 0% loan, due to excellent credit.

VERDICT: We AGREE, that Cash is not always King.

Myth #2: The best day of the month to buy a new car is the last day of the month.Hmm. Since most dealers consider the last day of the month their busiest, it is highly unlikely that a shopper will receive the kind of attention that they deserve on this day. Yes, it's true, that the month is made and finalized according to the closing schedule set by the manufacturer (which is frequently a day other than the calendar last day), but many times there are factors at play which mean the deal you will get will be identical to what you will find on any other day. (Why, oh why does it need to be so confusing?)

Our recommendation, and what we work towards with our clients, is a weekday according to an appointment set with a decision-maker at the dealership. We have completed 90% of the work already; we have done all of the research , all of the negotiation, test-drives completed, everyone is on a first name basis, and usually all that is left is signing paperwork and a few high-fives.

Even if you are not working with The Car Maven, we would strongly urge you to do the same. Research, appointment, weekday.

VERDICT: We AGREE, the last day of the calendar month is not typically going to create magic for you.

Myth #3: Sales associates won't be interested in working with you if you're not ready to buy.In our combined 100 years in the industry, WE HAVE NEVER MET A SALESPERSON WHO IS NOT INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH A POTENTIAL CUSTOMER. If you meet one, or feel the slightest hint of lack of interest, walk, no - RUN from that dealer. As we have discussed in many of our posts, the importance of shopping ahead of time will inevitably help you avoid any risk of the cold shoulder. But, if you don't feel that you are valued, welcomed, AND needed by that dealer or salesperson, trust us when we say, there is one on every corner, or at least down the street. But wait, you say, “what if that dealer has my dream vehicle and it is the only one in town?”

ANSWER: Try to speak to a manager. If not successful, there is this place called social media. That will generate a response, and quickly! We always say that you are in the drivers seat. And you need to stay there throughout the process. Dealers want you on social media, they just want you raving with positive words to say, not that your salesperson didn't treat you well.

VERDICT: We agree with Forbes, who, in their article, suggests you ask for another sales person, or that you visit another dealer. We agree, we just said it a bit more forcefully, and with added color.

Myth #4: Big-city dealerships have the highest car prices.So, most, not all, but most metro-based franchised dealers are relatively high volume when compared to those in rural areas. Don't be fooled by this though, we know of some pretty high volume truck dealers in Nebraska and central Iowa. So, use this as a general rule, and one that pretty much means that these higher volume dealers will have a little more wiggle room than a smaller volume dealer. Another factor at play in larger cities is the competition. This generally will create price wars by dealers who are working to generate YOUR business. While this happens in smaller markets too, it just doesn't happen to the degree you see in the big cities. So, use this to your advantage.

Here is the nitty-gritty: Higher sales volume can also mean access to higher potential pay outs from manufacturer programs. Many auto companies have what is known as Tier Sales Bonus programs and other reward programs that pay the dealer for performance. While not in every case, most of the larger volume dealers have access to the higher tiers and higher payouts. What this does is enable some dealers to negotiate on certain sales where other, lower volume dealers can't. It can be a bit tricky to understand, but shopping in a larger metropolitan area will generally translate to greater product selection and a bit more wiggle room on the final transaction.​VERDICT: While the statement is correct, we disagree on the explanation as to why. Forbes mentions the concentration of higher-educated people in large cities playing a role. We know that there are highly educated people everywhere, even in rural areas. We don't think this affects vehicle prices whatsoever. ​Myth #5: Leasing is the least expensive way to get a new car.We will reword this statement, which will make it more of a truth; Leasing can be the least expensive in terms of a monthly payment. This is because you are only financing a portion of the vehicle's cost. But, as stated in the article, there is an associated Myth; Leasing is the most expensive way to get a new car. This is, in general, not true. It can be a very expensive alternative if 1) you incur significant wear and tear on the vehicle, 2) you drive more than the contracted mileage and 3) you decide later that you love the vehicle and want to buy it outright at the end of the lease.

In general, we think Forbes accurately described this as a Myth. But our followers are pretty smart and probably knew this already.

BONUS MYTH, ACCORDING TO THE CAR MAVEN: Car Dealers are BadWhile there are a few bad apples out there, and perhaps you have dealt with one, in general - car dealers are not "bad". In fact, they are really no more than independent franchised businesses that want and need to remain profitable. In many cases these are businesses that have remained in people's family for years and years. Yes, there are also many that have become so large and powerful that they are publicly traded and represent billions of dollars of revenue. Your business is their livelihood, regardless of their size. You are someone who can generate significant additional revenue to them, beyond a car or truck purchase via repeat purchases, word of mouth, service income and ancillary purchases. You are their reason for being. We know countless dealers who we consider our friends, and who we trust implicitly. There are good ones, trust us.

That's why WE are here, to help you navigate the process, if you'd like. Reach out to us with questions, we think you'll be glad you did. Simply submit a contact form, and let us know what your interests are.

So Valentines Day is over. And you may be thinking after reading the headline, "You bet, we could use a lot more love in the automotive shopping and buying process....why does it have to be so difficult? " Well, the subject of this blog is how YOU, the consumer, can use this well-known aspect of human kindness to advantage yourself in the process of shopping for, buying, and also servicing your vehicle.

Here is where it matters for you....

During Shopping:​​Manufacturers in many cases have franchise standards and best practices that they hold for their dealers, in terms of internet lead management. This applies to how promptly they respond, the content of the responses, and the number of sales transactions that result from these internet inquiries (or leads, in industry lingo). So, you can use this as a negotiating tool with the dealer or dealers with whom you are working. Most automotive shoppers know the value of generating potential opportunities from multiple dealers. The way a particular dealer handles the initial communication with you can be a bargaining chip for you. Many franchises use this as a means to score their dealers on incentive programs and awards for overall sales process.

Upon the Initial Retail Visit:

Beginning with your visit to the dealer, you will be paired with a sales person. This may or may not be the same individual with whom you have been communicating via the internet. Know this: it is highly likely that part of their compensation is based on your experiences with them, and that they may even be receiving a bonus on certain steps they take you through. A very strong negotiating tactic can be in your favor when you let them know, early on, that you understand this. Without exception, they will work harder for you, and on your behalf, because they know you understand the importance of this. That survey score means EVERYTHING to them, and also to the management team at the store. In most cases this is part of an overall score for the dealership that can mean rankings and potentially a financial bonus for the dealership, as well. You, as the shopper, knowing and using this to your advantage, will inevitably generate more focus by the dealer team. You will be classified as an informed shopper, and they will work that much harder to gain your favor, AND your business.

In the Business Office:

This, by far, can become the most daunting of all of the steps in the process, though it doesn't have to be. The Business Manager (or otherwise known as the F&I, Finance and Insurance, Manager) is also being rated for how the process goes. In the industry, this step in the transaction is the single most controversial and potentially negative mark for a dealer. Be informed and stay confident knowing that you are buying a car or truck. You may or may not need or want any ancillary products or add-on's. You deserve to know what each and every item on the buyers order means. Read it thoroughly, and don't ever be shy or afraid to speak up. This is an area that most of The Car Maven's clients mention as a source of peace of mind by our services. Don't worry about becoming an expert, it's really quite similar to a real estate agent when buying a home. You know they only have your best interests in mind. We do, too.

In the Service Department during Maintenance Visits:

You will inevitably have been introduced to the Service Department when you purchase or lease your vehicle. This is important for 2 reasons; 1) the dealer wants you to come back and have your maintenance and service work performed there. Customers who have service performed at the dealer from whom they purchased/leased a vehicle are 7 times more likely to buy/lease their next vehicle from them. This is pretty pivotal. 2) They get a high mark on their report card for doing so. Manufacturers want you to have your vehicle serviced at a franchised dealer (not at an aftermarket location) because of the critical need to stay informed on needed vehicle updates and campaigns, but they, too, want to keep you in the family. One of the things you will find very quickly is that the experience you have with your Service Advisor (or Service Consultant or Service Writer) mysteriously feels like a sales pitch. What many don't know, is that these folks have compensation plans that are very similar to the salesperson that you worked with when you bought your vehicle. They are not only being rated and scored like the sales person, their compensation depends on what you buy. So, be aware of this and remain just as informed and conscientious of the impact of the score they will receive from your interaction. You can be sure that your acknowledgement of this to them will mark your place as one who is concerned about mutual benefit.

Kindness begets kindness. Just a little love and recognition towards how the world of auto sales & service works for the humans involved in selling & servicing your vehicle, will inevitably come back to you in terms of reward in the form of value. The dealer is being scored on many aspects of your experience; it can mean some significant financial gain OR loss to them, depending on how your experience goes.

Over 5,000 media from around the globe attended the big auto show in Detroit, and The Car Maven was there as well. One of the major shows in the world, this annual January show in Detroit features many new production and concept vehicle introductions. While final stats haven’t been released, last year there were more than 70 vehicle introductions at over 40 press conferences put on by 50 automakers. This is a large and important auto show.

The week began with the announcement of the winners of the 2018 North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year. The Honda Accord, Volvo XC60 and Lincoln Navigator won their respective categories. The awards are among the most prestigious in the industry because they are chosen by a panel of more than 60 jurors from print, online and broadcast media across the United States and Canada.

The overall theme this year seems to be pickup trucks. Ram showed their new 1500 full-size model, while Chevrolet did the same with a new Silverado. Ford, the overall pickup market leader, but late to the game in the mid-size pickup category, launched the mid-size Ranger for the U.S. Trucks overshadowed a significant amount of new utility and crossover introductions, as these segments of the market (thanks in part to continued cheap gas prices) continue to grow at the expense of cars.​There are many sources of information and pictures of the new models, so The Car Maven will share our favorite and most significant vehicles from this year’s show: Enjoy!

Infiniti Q Inspiration – Woo-hoo! Sedans aren’t dead, yet. This lovely concept from Infiniti previews a new generation of Infiniti vehicles. It features an elongated, coupe-like design, and is intended to demonstrate many future technologies. We think it’s a superb blend of elegance and minimalist form.

Nissan Xmotion – This SUV concept is a design exploration for a future compact SUV. The sleek but powerful design foreshadows future Nissan design language that we may see on many models debuting over the next several years. Like many concepts, the interior design is often more of a production stretch than the exterior.

Lexus LF-1 Limitless – This concept suggests a future RX crossover, albeit bigger than the brand’s best-selling RX350 midsize. The LF-1 is stuffed with the latest technology, much not otherwise in production. We admired the design from the side and rear, but the front view is really “pinched” for our tastes. That said, the design reach is impressive for what’s been a conservative luxury brand.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta – Yes, there were some new cars at the show, like this all-new Jetta. Stretching the compact sedan category, the 2019 Jetta is both larger AND less expensive than its predecessor. The attractive, coupe-like exterior design features shorter overhangs. Offering a full-complement of safety and driver assistance technologies, the Jetta also comes with Volkswagen’s new 6-year/72,000 mile warranty. Pricing begins at $18,545, and the Jetta arrives at dealers in the second quarter of this year.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado – The General’s leading pickup is all-new for the 2019 model year, unveiled exactly 100 years after the brand delivered its first trucks to customers in January 1918. Chevy claims the new Silverado has the most functional bed of any full-size truck. It weighs up to 450 pounds less for increased performance and offers a broad range of trims and engine/transmission combinations. The new Silverado arrives in showrooms in late 2018.

2019 Ram 1500 – The new Ram 1500 is longer, taller and wider than the previous generation, yet it weighs nearly 225 pounds less. It can haul and tow more weight. It slips through the air with a segment-leading drag coefficient and boosts efficiency via the use of a mild-hybrid system. Uh-huh, a hybrid pickup truck. Other features include a 4-inch stretch in cab length, an available 12-inch display in the center of the instrument panel and 4G wireless. Look for the new 1500 in the spring.

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – 40 years after the last update, we finally get a new version of the iconic G-Class. This hand-built, luxury off-road SUV was originally a military vehicle until its capabilities caught the attention of civilians. While the boxy silhouette remains, look for new powertrains, suspension, safety and connectivity technologies and interior. This limited edition (just 20,000 being built) status-symbol begins at $120,000. Look for the new G-Class at dealers late this year.

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt – The new 50th Anniversary 2019 Bullitt was displayed next to the recently rediscovered dark green Mustang that Steve McQueen drove in the classic film “Bullitt”. In fact, his granddaughter attended the press event. The ’68 was the talk of the show amongst the media. The new limited-edition Bullitt features a retuned 5.0-liter V8 engine that packs at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and tops out at 163 mph. Unlike other Mustang variants, it’s very understated, like the original. There are no stripes, spoilers or badges. We like.

​​Additional highlights and newsworthy happenings from the show include:

GAC Motor – This Chinese automaker builds more than 500,000 vehicles a year, and is the highest quality vehicle manufacturer in China. In a return to Detroit, GAC showed several vehicles, including sedans, utilities and even a mini-van. But they offered nothing The Car Maven hasn’t seen before from somebody else. They are setting up distribution in the U.S. in the hopes of launching sales in 2019. GAC has an existing tie-up with Fiat-Chrysler, so some collaboration there wouldn’t be a surprise.

Automobili-D – This exposition within an auto show was entirely different but nonetheless exciting. It featured automakers, suppliers, startups, universities and others, all involved in the evolving mobility space – or how people and things get around. The Car Maven likes to think of future mobility in four areas: electrification (through hybrids and battery-electric vehicles), connected (think OnStar or 4G wireless that every automaker offers in some form), autonomous (self-driving) and shared (car-sharing (think ZipCar), ride-sharing (think Zimride, Wheeli) and ride hailing (think Lyft)). Automobili-D featured exhibits and demonstrations of technologies that will be enablers of our mobility future. Though nobody knows the exact path we’ll take to get there, and the transition will in some respects be slow, it was exciting for us to see all the great ideas and opportunities being explored.

See some bonus shots, LIVE from the show floor, below! From well-attended 8 am press events, to very cool virtual reality experiences, to some futuristic-looking Toyota Mobility concepts, this is one show not to be missed! The North American International Auto Show is open to the public through January 28, at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.

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​If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, and have decided that the rush to January 2 doesn't work for you, you may be interested in attending your local auto show to see everything in one place, at the same time. We've talked about the value of your local auto shows, and we're extremely proud, once again, that we will be live, and in person, at one of the most visible and critical shows of the year, NAIAS, Detroit. We'll provide exclusive coverage, direct from the show floor.

With more than 30 brands represented, the auto show in Detroit is now considered the top U.S. auto show, and is in the top 5 globally. Automakers from around the world choose to introduce new production models and exciting concept vehicles in Detroit. Some also roll out new marketing. It wasn’t always the case, but now the momentum feeds on itself, with automakers trying to out-scoop each other for the attention of over 5,000 news media from around the globe. Last year, of over 70 vehicle introductions, 39 were world debuts of production models. Not Paris. Not Tokyo. But Detroit. Even fledgling automakers choose Detroit to launch their brand in front of an insatiable media audience. Other notable U.S. auto shows include L.A., Chicago and New York, but Detroit garners the largest number and most important reveals. Some new models will arrive in showrooms very shortly, while others arrive later in the year. Regardless, introductions provide us with insight into both near-term and the future thinking of automakers. And all of this can help you make an informed decision about the brand and model that’s best for your next vehicle.

While every auto show has surprises, The Car Maven team does know (shhhh) about some of the plans major automakers have for the Detroit show. In terms of new production models you can buy, here is just a little of what we expect:

Pickup trucks, which deliver outsize profits to Ford, GM and FCA, will be a big story this year. GM is expected to show revised full-size Silverado and Sierra models. Ford might choose Detroit for the reveal of the new Ranger mid-size pickup. And FCA’s RAM brand will show a refreshed 1500.

Keeping the Mustang-faithful excited, Ford is expected to show a couple of new versions: Bullitt and GT500.

Clues from Honda suggest a brand-new gas-electric hybrid is coming to Detroit. It’s expected to resurrect the Insight name.

Hyundai may introduce a second-generation Veloster coupe. Expect it to remain a bit quirky, bur endearing.

Chevrolet might finally reveal the long-rumored mid-engine Corvette.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce the latest G-Class luxury SUV. The brand is also filling out its successful AMG performance sub-brand, with the AMG 53 line and AMG 43 series, across a multitude of body styles.

While it’s already broken cover, Jeep will fully launch the new Cherokee SUV in Detroit. Look for new powertrains too.

Toyota will show a new Avalon full-size sedan (remember them?), with a new design that is more aggressive. We think it’s not unlike the direction Toyota designers took with the 2018 Camry.

Volkswagen will come to Detroit with a new Jetta compact sedan.

So you don’t have to, The Car Maven will brave the frigid temps in Detroit, and be your Sherpa for the auto show. We’ll cover nearly 50 press conferences, separate the important from the fluff, and make sure you know about all of the significant new models.

There’s also another show within the auto show. In its second year, AutoMobili-D is an exposition showcasing a global ecosystem of mobility-focused companies and organizations. AutoMobili-D will feature over 150 exhibiting brands, ranging from automakers, to suppliers, to tech startups as well as universities and government organizations. In addition, more than 100 industry thought leaders and executives will participate in symposiums and panel discussions. If you plan to buy a car in 2018, AutoMobili-D may not be too relevant. But the future of connected, autonomous, electric and shared-use vehicles is coming fast, and we’ll be sure to keep on eye on developments that could be important to new car shoppers.If you have questions for our expert team in Detroit, let us know below, and we’ll do our best to answer.

​Reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Or, better yet, submit a contact form or a question on our website. Hint: We accept personal email inquiries too! It's a busy week in the car biz, and here's what we will be looking forward to!

LOS ANGELES---This year’s Los Angeles Auto Show was not the most breaking news show I’ve been to but it packed more dazzle, drama and significant launches than the past couple of years (a quick poll of fellow industry folks agreed).

Most news was centered around the car industry’s move toward electrified propulsion across almost all OEM platforms, autonomous driving technologies, and many significant vehicle launches. Some of the big reveals have broken at other venues or are being saved for Consumer Electronics Show (which is becoming a car show) in Las Vegas (Jan 9-12, 2018) and the Detroit Auto Show (Jan 14-28, 2018). The LA show wrapped Dec 10.

Here are some highlights of the most significant technologies and new vehicles I saw during the two-day press preview.

Electrification diversification continues2018 Tesla Model 3 is shown publicly for the first time at LA show. Model 3s are slowly starting to trickle out of the Freemont, CA factory with 345 units sold in November.. Over 400,000 consumers have placed deposits on this elegant, 4-door sedan with range of 220 miles and starting MSRP of $35,000 before incentives. Consumers can expect delivery in 12-18 months. Tesla also featured a “Home Structure” fitted with solar roof panels that capture traditional asphalt, tile, wood shake and metal roof designs. Installations of these panels have started on LA-area home unioing mid-sized SUV.

2019 BMW i8 Roadster and was debuted along with the new Coupe top of the “I” family of electrified BMW vehicles. The German OEM also displayed the “i Vision Dynamics” sedan concept and a range of electrified motorcycles. BMW Group announced they will have 25 electrified vehicles by 2025 – 12 will be purely electric.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace - Slated for US showrooms in Fall 2018, the I-Pace will feature a dedicated platform with aluminum body construction, 220-mile range and electric motor at each wheel deliver 400hp. Competition will be the $88,000 Tesla Model X, as well as BMW and Mercedes electrics coming in 2019.

SUV For Offerings Everyone2018 Jeep Wrangler - Lighter by 200 lbs, the “JL” Jeep will be available more easily configurable 2- and 4-door models. 4-door offers power top. Optional open-air pass-throughs in the middle of each front door and a folding windshield keep the open air experience alive and well. “Easter egg” surprises like interior “spec plate” recall the original Willy dash along other heritage details will surprise and delight Jeep fans of all ages. Powertrains will include 4-cylinder turbo and V6 diesel options. It also previews design direction and content details for the Jeep “Scrambler” truck launching in 2019.

2018 Lexus 350L - The best selling luxury SUV in the US, the “L” model lengthens the body 4.3 inches to accommodate a 3rd-row seat to increase passenger capacity to 7. Buyers may opt for 2nd-row captains chairs. Standard Lexus amenities abound. Available on dealer lots in January 2018 with a starting MSRP of $48,665. The extended “L” body will also be available on hybrid models.

2019 Infiniti QX50 - Infiniti revealed a revolutionary variable compression engine technology that will increase fuel economy up to 35% over the outgoing models. Dubbed VC-Turbo, the QX50 will be first to feature this technology giving its new 2.0L gas engine efficiency comparable to a 4-cylinder diesel. The QX50 will debut new exterior and interior designs, as well as, the latest driver-assist technologies.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus - Ford’s luxury brand will rename its best selling mid-sized MKX to Nautilus on 2019 models as part of a new brand strategy to abandon letter nomenclature which has proven to be confusing for consumers in favor more memorable model names. Nautilus will feature traditional Lincoln’s signature front grille, more interior head and legroom and seating for 5.

2019 Kia Sorento - Kia debuted the 2019 Sorento by showing its off-road travel capabilities with an impressive 5 minute video showing a production version with slight modifications climbing the “Hell’s Revenge” slickrock trail near Moab, Utah. The actual vehicle was on display for public inspection showed minimal damage. The 2019 Sorento will utilize the existing platform and include new front and rear styling and interior enhancements. A diesel engine option is in the works.

2019 Subaru Ascent - Available summer 2018 and priced in the low $30,000s, Subaru introduced its new midsized crossover SUV. It which will feature a powerful 260-hp, 5,000 towing capacity, 7- or 8-passenger seating and luxurious interior design with materials a few notches above the typical Subaru. AWD is standard. The Ascent provides Subaru with a larger, outdoorsy option to meet the expanding needs of growing families and active brand loyalist.

2019 Volvo XC40 - With base $33,200 MSRP, the entry-level XC40 features many of the same luxury technologies as the larger XC60 and XC90 like driver assist technologies. A variety of gasoline and hybrid powertrains will be available as well as the new $600 per month subscription service which includes insurance, maintenance, customer care, roadside assistance and a 30.000 mileage limit over 2-years. Styling also echos larger Volvo SUVs.

2018 Ford EcoSport - Available in early 2018 in US, EcoSport has been Ford’s entry-level SUV in global markets since 2003. “Big inside, small inside” is the design philosophy for this well-contented vehicle with available driver-assist technologies, advanced infotainment, EcoBoost powertrain and about $21,000 starting MSRP.

Luxury Wagons Offer Sensible and Styling Alternative to SUV2018 Buick Regal TourX - Jointly created with Opel, the well-equipped TourX will be available in mid 2018. With a starting MSRP of $43,795 competes in market with the Volvo XC60 and Audi A4 Allroad. Offering 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seatback folded. AWD is standard. Three trim levels will be available.

2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake - An evolution of a “shooting brake hunting vehicle” in England, the XF Sportbrake is a 4-door, five seater offering the performance of sports sedan and carrying capabilities of a luxury SUV. Standards include by a 380-hp V6, AWD, a bevy of safety, infotainment and driver assist technologies and traditional Jaguar brand interior refinements. Prices begin around $71,000.

Sedans and Luxury Hatchbacks Offer Traditionalist A Twist2019 Audi A8 - Audi unveiled the 4th generation flagship sedan in LA. The 2019 A8 premiers the evolution of the brand’s distinctive design language and the new MMI infotainment system that drops rotary push/play control for a 10.1” touchscreen. A new 3.0L V6 /48 volt electric mild hybrid powerplant, a more rigid (by 58%) aluminum with carbon fiber structure and extensive safety features will be part of the content list. Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard.

2018 Acura RLX - Acura displayed the 2018 RLX in LA after the official public debut at Monterey Car Week in August. Acura hopes the new sedan flagship will increase sales above the 1,478 units sold in 2016. The luxury 5-passenger luxury sedan MSRP is $54,900 and sport hybrid lists at $61,900. RLX is the only US Acura model still built in Japan.

2018 Buick Regal Sportback - Taking a long-standing cue from European trends, all 2018 Regals will only be available as a 5-door luxury hatchback model similar to the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Gran Coupe. Regal offers with over 60.5 cubic feet behind rear seat, a plethora of equipment options, FWD and AWD configurations and two trim levels. MSRPs begin around $26,000.

2018 Kia Stinger - My personal favorite from a design and brand positioning perspective is the at this year’s show is the amazing Stinger. It was created to change everything you think about Kia. Debuting at last year’s 2016 LA show, the Stinger is now arriving in showrooms and giving consumers considering a luxury European or Japanese performance car a very competitive alternative. Featuring aggressively svelte exterior lines, the sedan styling hides a spacious, highly functional hatchback design. A 265-hp, 3.3L twin-turbo V6 accelerates 0-60 in 4.7 seconds with top speed of 167 mph.. A 255-hp, 2.0L 4-cylinder and AWD ($2,200 option) are also available. Well contented in all trims, Stinger features all the expected driver-assisted, infotainment and performance equipment. MSRPs are in the $33,000-$53,000 range. A V8 option is rumored down the road.

In closing, the marketplace will ultimately decide how successful Kia is at changing minds about the brand as sales figures are compiled in the future. This years press conference reminded me how far this brand has come since launching the basic, compact Kia Sephia sedan (a name that always reminded me of an aspiring 1950s movie actress) and the compact Sportage SUV in 1993. Over the past 25 years, Kia has progressively grown and continuously evolved its products, signature design, manufacturing capabilities, product quality and marketing moxie at an astounding pace. The next few chapters of Kia’s story will be fun to watch and drive!

It may very well be! It was for The Car Maven! We are thrilled with our Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that we purchased, a current model year that had only 86 miles on it! Wink-wink.....you just need to know where to look, and which questions to ask! That's why we're here...to help you navigate which options are best for you.

Many automakers have variations in their Certified Pre-owned program offerings. Beyond the warranty (the certification), the inspection, and the potential 3-day return guarantee, there are little-known facts that can help guide you to the right brand of certified pre-owned vehicle. Depending on your vehicle interests, and the time of the year, there can be some very good buys.

For some definitions on commonly used terms, see below:

Certified pre-owned vehicle: A previously owned vehicle sold with the original manufacturer’s certification that the vehicle is in optimal condition. The manufacturers select vehicles based on age, mileage and a multiple-point inspection process. Age, mileage and inspection criteria vary by manufacturer.

Point inspection: A comprehensive vehicle inspection to ensure that the vehicle is in excellent working order. The point inspection is a list of the parts of the vehicle that are examined. Each manufacturer has its own inspection list, but most are similar. All inspections are performed under strict manufacturer guidelines.

Warranty deductible: The amount the owner is responsible for when repair work is performed under CPO warranty. Many manufacturers do not require a deductible.

Transferable warranty: If the owner of a certified pre-owned vehicle sells the vehicle and it is within the warranty period, the new owner may be eligible for a transfer of the warranty. Some manufacturers require the new owner to pay a transfer fee.

Vehicle criteria: To be considered for certification, a vehicle must be a recent model year, have limited mileage and pass a multiple-point inspection. Each manufacturer has its own requirements.

​For a comprehensive summary of auto makers' Certified Pre-Owned program elements, click the button below.....and follow us on Facebook!

......the buzz that kicks off with the Los Angeles International Auto Show, December 1-10, 2017. The official auto show season launches with LAIAS and concludes with the New York International Auto Show in April. We are especially pleased that we will also be providing live updates from Detroit, the show that kicks off the new calendar year in January; LA & Detroit are the first of four large-scale shows that involve media reveals and key product & technology announcements. Chicago is in February, and New York is typically held in April. Be sure and check your local markets for your auto show dates & times. No better place to help you decide on your next set of wheels!

To help bridge and relay the excitement from the Detroit Auto Show, we are pleased to introduce the newest member of The Car Maven team, David Goldschmidt, Director, Vehicles & Incentives. David has been a mentor to The Car Maven since it's inception, and we are thrilled to welcome him as an officer of the company. He brings both start-up credentials and a host of impressive experience in the field of incentives and mobility. His expertise will ensure that we have the latest and greatest industry updates around the topics of Mobility, Electric Vehicles, and autonomous driving.

​To stay informed on all of the happenings at these important shows, LIKE and follow us on Facebook. It's sure to be an exciting season!

We're glad you asked! Let's simplify....and while we're at it, here is what a typical BUYERS ORDER looks like.

Step 1: If you'd like help from us choosing the right vehicle, reach out and submit a CONTACT FORM.Step 2: If you'd like help from us choosing the right dealer, reach out and submit a CONTACT FORM.Step 3: If you know which vehicle you are interested in and you have a dealer picked out, go forth and schedule a visit!Step 4: During the visit you will be provided with what is known as a BUYERS ORDER. This is simply a quote, which will include a) purchase price of the vehicle, less any incentives that apply, b) value of your trade-in, if any, c) interest rate and finance (or lease) terms and d)miscellaneous fees. Don't forget to test-drive!Step 5: Thank the dealer, and let them know you will get back with them. Do not sign ANY paperwork yet.Step 6: Contact The Car Maven, by submitting a CONTACT FORM. The Car Maven will then schedule a brief discussion with you and review the terms and all associated information related to your proposed purchase. If we can save you money, we will work with the dealer to revise the quote, and re-present it to you. If, in the rare instance there are no savings, The Car Maven will provide you with precious peace of mind that you are not being overcharged. Step 7: Visit the dealer and schedule the purchase and pick up of your new ride!​All of the details regarding the sharing of the savings will be reviewed in our initial conversation. Nothing ventured, nothing saved!

​And, remember.....we work for you, not the dealer!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Image provided is for illustration purposes only.